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Novel Small Molecule for Saltiness Enhancement

Agriculture
Food Production & Products
Foods, Additives, & Supplements
College
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)
Researchers
Peterson, Devin
Tello Camacho, Edisson
Wang, Irene
Licensing Manager
Dahlman, Jason "Jay"
(614)292-7945
dahlman.3@osu.edu

T2024-114

The Need:

In a world grappling with the consequences of poor dietary choices, the imperative to address the global health crisis has never been more critical. Poor diets contribute to 1 in 5 deaths globally, with non-optimal sodium intake being a primary culprit. The USDA recommends a reduction of over 30% in sodium levels in foods to combat this crisis. The challenge lies in achieving this reduction without compromising the saltiness perception consumers crave. Enter our novel compound, a flavorless salt enhancer derived from cumin spice, offering a breakthrough solution to enhance saltiness while enabling substantial sodium reduction.

The Technology:

Our proprietary salt enhancer is a revolutionary compound extracted from cumin spice, designed to intensify, increase, and strengthen the saltiness perception in food products. This groundbreaking ingredient allows for a reduction in sodium content without sacrificing the desired taste experience. At an astonishingly low dosage of 1 mg/kg (1 ppm), it is highly effective and, with its flavorless nature, seamlessly integrates into any food or beverage product, ensuring an undisturbed sensory experience for consumers.

Commercial Applications:

  • Bakery Products: Improve the saltiness profile of bread, crackers, and pastries.
  • Snack Foods: Enhance the taste of chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks.
  • Processed Meats: Optimize flavor in deli meats, sausages, and cured products.
  • Ready-to-Eat Meals: Elevate the saltiness perception in convenience foods.
  • Condiments and Sauces: Enhance the overall taste profile of sauces and condiments.

Benefits/Advantages:

  • Health Conscious Formulation: Enable a significant reduction in sodium content, aligning with global health recommendations.
  • Versatility: Applicable to a wide range of food and beverage products, providing flexibility in formulation.
  • Low Dosage Requirement: Highly efficient at just 1 mg/kg (1 ppm), ensuring cost-effectiveness.
  • No Aversive Taste Attributes: Preserves the natural flavor profile without introducing unwanted taste elements.
  • Lucrative Market Opportunity: Tap into the thriving low-sodium market in the US, valued at over 60 billion dollars.